Stepping into autumn, Helen shows us how to wear the new season now... read more
Hip, hip, hooray! Our new season AW fashion collections are slowly coming into store and popping up online. With the British summer proving temperamental (is it going to rainy or boiling hot? We can never tell), it seems only right that now is the time we start embracing the new season. However, dressing for autumn doesn’t have to be drab, this year we’re still clinging on to summer but in a slightly more muted way. Think autumnal florals, bright trousers, and colour pop accessories to ease you into the cooler months. Armed with the challenge to wear our new season now, Helen from Coco Mama Style shows us just how easy it can be to embrace the change…
The trouble with fashion is that it’s very much seasonal, and not only does the British weather rarely get the memo on what we’re planning on wearing, but new season style fills the high street before we’re quite ready for either wrapping up, or showing some skin.
Fortunately for us, Laura Ashley have pulled it out of the (bright tote) bag so that bridging the gap between style seasons can be seamless as we introduce new collections to our wardrobes without looking like we’ve fast-forwarded into winter.
The key is to give transitional outfits a summer twist with the styling; you can wear that autumnal trouser, but make it season-appropriate by teaming with sandals to lighten up. Look for fun, bright accessories to give your look that just -back-from-holiday vibe and don’t be afraid to contrast colours within your outfit.
As soon as I spotted the collection of bright tote bags neatly lined up at the autumn/winter Press launch (also in yellow, magenta and blue to name a few) I was in love. Whichever colour you choose they will add an instant pick-me-up to even the simplest jeans and tee look, and the only effort required is to throw all your essentials in – and maybe some extras, because there’s plenty of room to spare.
Shades of red were big news on the autumn/winter catwalks and these morello cherry-toned trousers will take us right through to Christmas and beyond. For an on-trend autumn look I’ll pair them with a bright red blouse and keep accessories neutral, and once the frosts set in I’ll wear with a chunky roll neck knit and ankle boots for easy school run style.
I have been treating these trousers as a neutral in my wardrobe as they are in a muted, dark tone, so introducing the orange bag brightens the whole look, plus adding the light grey top and neutral sandals adds texture and print to balance the outfit.
I am always a big fan of tops like this; the perfect combination of comfort with a jersey back and style and a perfectly draped front panel. This one adds interest with a neutral print and has a great sleeve that is just the right length to flatter upper arms. It takes me from mum-duty (with relaxed jeans and flats) to my work as a Personal Stylist (with skinny jeans, heels and a blazer) with ease. Once autumn kicks in, Laura Ashley’s grey faux leather biker will work perfectly layered on top.
The trend for tassels and 70s boho style is going nowhere so I will be wearing this set of three bracelets from Laura Ashley’s Boho Brights collection right through to next summer. They easily finish off an outfit with a sprinkling of colour and interest to my wrist so the fun, summer vibe will last even when the tan has faded.
Doesn’t Helen look fabulous? You can show us your style by tweeting us @LauraAshleyUK, and don’t forget to bookmark Helen’s blog!